Finding Wisdom in the PsalmsНамуна

Unloading and Reloading

Sorrow, confusion, frustration, anger, fear, hopelessness … negative emotions can be our undoing if we don’t handle them constructively. Psalms gives us some wonderful examples for dealing with discouragement biblically. It’s what I call “unloading and reloading.”

Repeatedly throughout the Psalms, the psalmists unload negative thoughts and feelings and reload, restore, refresh, and refocus their thoughts on God’s love and faithfulness. For example, I can feel negative at times because God is so often misrepresented and maligned in our modern culture. Like Asaph in Psalm 74:10, I feel like asking, “God, how long will the enemy mock? Will the foe insult your name forever?”

But Asaph also shows me how to reload when he reminds himself that “God my King is from ancient times, performing saving acts on the earth” (verse 12). We may be tested by the negative pressures of culture, but our God is still in control. When Asaph says, “Rise up, God, champion your cause!” he knows our God is able to do that.

Another example is Psalm 86, where David unloads by admitting he feels “poor and needy.” He’s being attacked by arrogant people, and he has concerns about his own faithfulness. Have you ever felt that way? If so, you can reload as David did by saying, “You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abounding in faithful love to all who call on you.”

Many of the Psalms follow this pattern of unloading negative emotions and reloading truths about God’s character. It’s a good practice for all of us.

Reflect

How does Romans 12:2 confirm the truth of unloading and reloading? How does it offer a more permanent solution?